Planolinellus vittatus
This record describes Planolinellus vittatus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Aphodiinae
- Tribe
- Aphodiini
- Genus
- Planolinellus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to the Palæarctic (e.Europe to Mongolia) , adventive and widespread in NA (BC‒NS, most of the lower 48 states and n.Mexico), but could naturally have a holarctic distribution
Diet and Behavior
Life History
surface dung generalist ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Planolinellus vittatus (Say 1825)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Planolinellus vittatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Planolinellus vittatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Planolinellus vittatus
How big is Planolinellus vittatus?
3.5‒5.0 mm
Where is Planolinellus vittatus found?
Range: native to the Palæarctic (e.Europe to Mongolia) , adventive and widespread in NA (BC‒NS, most of the lower 48 states and n.Mexico), but could naturally have a holarctic distribution
What is the life cycle of a Planolinellus vittatus?
surface dung generalist ( 3 )